Dental restorative system and components

ABSTRACT

Disclosed within is a dental restorative system including a dental abutment having a longitudinal axis, lingual and facial aspects, a base portion for engagement with a dental implant, and a tapered coronal portion. The dental abutment further includes an emergence profile portion between the base portion and the tapered coronal portion. The emergence profile portion includes at least a first concave surface and at least a first convex surface. The dental abutment may further include an interproximally sloping margin shoulder and a reduced terminal portion located at the upper end of the tapered coronal portion. Alternative embodiments of the dental abutment are also disclosed.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the benefit of 35 U.S.C. 119(e) from U.S.Provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/691,685, filed Jun. 17, 2005and entitled “Dental Component System Comprising Abutment and ImpressionCap” and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/714,641, filedSep. 7, 2005 and entitled “Dental Component System Comprising Abutment,Unibody Implant and Impression Cap”, all hereby incorporated herein byreference for all purposes.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

The dental art provides various methods and apparatus for compensatingfor the loss of natural teeth. For example, the natural tooth can bereplaced with a prosthetic tooth that is mounted on a unibody implant ora separate abutment secured to an implant. In the instance utilizing aseparate implant and abutment, the implant is first installed in thepatient's jawbone, typically through threaded engagement. A separateabutment is then secured to the coronal end of the implant and, aftersufficient osseointegration of the implant with the patient's jawbone,the prosthetic tooth is secured to the abutment. In a dental restorationinvolving a unibody or one-piece implant, the implant is installed intothe patient's jaw bone and allowed sufficient time to osseointegrate.After this period of time, the prosthetic tooth is installed on thecoronal end of the unibody implant.

In the process of performing a dental restoration, it may be desirableto make a model of the patient's mouth to assist in preparing theprosthetic tooth. In such an instance, an impression or transfer copingcan be utilized to promote accuracy in the model. An impression copingis placed on an abutment or unibody implant before an impression of thepatient's mouth is taken. When the impression material is removed fromthe patient's mouth, the coping remains in the impression material andis disengaged from the abutment or unibody implant. An analog of theone-piece implant or of an implant and abutment assembly is insertedinto the coping that is still engaged in the impression material.Casting material is poured into the impression and around the analogcreating a model of the patient's mouth. This allows for an accuratelocation of the implant or abutment in the patient's mouth and helps toensure that the prosthetic tooth will fit properly once installed.

SUMMARY OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments of the present system are directed toward methods andapparatus for providing a dental restorative system and components,including an abutment, a unibody implant, an impression cap and othercomponents.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a lingual view of one embodiment of a component of the dentalcomponent system;

FIG. 2 is an interproximal view of the embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a section view of the embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a coronal view of the embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is an interproximal view of an alternative embodiment of thecomponent of FIGS. 1-4;

FIG. 6 is an interproximal view of an alternative embodiment of thecomponent of FIGS. 1-4;

FIG. 7 is a lingual view of one embodiment of a component of the system;

FIG. 8 is an interproximal view of the embodiment of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a coronal view of the embodiment of FIG. 7;

FIG. 10 is an interproximal view of an alternative embodiment of thecomponent of FIGS. 7-9;

FIG. 11 is an interproximal view of an alternative embodiment of thecomponent of FIGS. 7-9;

FIG. 12 is a lingual view of one embodiment of a component of thesystem;

FIG. 13 is an interproximal view of the embodiment of FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a coronal view of the embodiment of FIG. 12;

FIG. 15 is an interproximal view of an alternative embodiment of thecomponent of FIGS. 12-14;

FIG. 16 is an interproximal view of an alternative embodiment of thecomponent of FIGS. 12-14;

FIG. 17 is an interproximal view of one embodiment of a component of thesystem;

FIG. 18 is an interproximal view of an alternative embodiment of thecomponent of FIG. 17;

FIG. 19 is an interproximal view of an alternative embodiment of thecomponent of FIG. 17;

FIG. 20 is a lingual view of one embodiment of a component of thesystem;

FIG. 21 is an interproximal view of the embodiment of FIG. 20;

FIG. 22 is a lingual view of one embodiment of a component of thesystem;

FIG. 23 is an interproximal view of the embodiment of FIG. 22;

FIG. 24 is a facial view of the embodiment of FIG. 22;

FIG. 25 is a section view of the embodiment of FIG. 22;

FIG. 26 is a coronal view of the embodiment of FIG. 22;

FIG. 27 is an interproximal view of an alternative embodiment of thecomponent of FIGS. 22-26;

FIG. 28 is a lingual view of one embodiment of a component of thesystem;

FIG. 29 is an interproximal view of the embodiment of FIG. 28;

FIG. 30 a facial view of the embodiment of FIG. 28;

FIG. 31 is a coronal view of the embodiment of FIG. 28;

FIG. 32 is an interproximal view of an alternative embodiment of thecomponent of FIGS. 28-31;

FIG. 33 is a lingual view of one embodiment of a component of thesystem;

FIG. 34 is an interproximal view of the embodiment of FIG. 33;

FIG. 35 is a facial view of the embodiment of FIG. 33;

FIG. 36 is a coronal view of the embodiment of FIG. 33;

FIG. 37 is an interproximal view of an alternative embodiment of thecomponent of FIGS. 33-36;

FIG. 38 is a lingual view of an alternative embodiment of a component ofthe system;

FIG. 39 is a lingual view of an alternative embodiment of the componentof FIG. 38;

FIG. 40 is an interproximal view of a component of the system;

FIG. 41 is a facial view of one embodiment of a component of the system;

FIG. 42 is an interproximal view of the embodiment of FIG. 41;

FIG. 43 is a partial lingual view of the embodiment of FIG. 41;

FIG. 44 is a coronal view of the embodiment of FIG. 41;

FIG. 45 is a facial view of one embodiment of a component of the system;

FIG. 46 is an interproximal view of the embodiment of FIG. 45;

FIG. 47 is a lingual view of the embodiment of FIG. 45;

FIG. 48 is a coronal view of the embodiment of FIG. 45;

FIG. 49 is a partial section view of the embodiment of FIG. 45;

FIG. 50 is a facial view of one embodiment of a component of the system;

FIG. 51 is an interproximal view of the embodiment of FIG. 50;

FIG. 52 is a partial lingual view of the embodiment of FIG. 50;

FIG. 53 is a coronal view of the embodiment of FIG. 50;

FIG. 54 is a facial view of one embodiment of a component of the system;

FIG. 55 is an interproximal view of the embodiment of FIG. 54;

FIG. 56 is a lingual view of the embodiment of FIG. 54;

FIG. 57 is a coronal view of the embodiment of FIG. 54;

FIG. 58 is a partial section view of the embodiment of FIG. 54;

FIG. 59 is an interproximal view of an alternative embodiment of asystem component;

FIG. 60 is a lingual view of the embodiment of FIG. 59;

FIG. 61 is interproximal view of a component of the system;

FIG. 62 is a facial view of the component of FIG. 61;

FIG. 62A is an exploded facial view of an alternative embodiment of thesystem;

FIG. 62B is a section view of the embodiment of FIG. 62A;

FIG. 62C is an interproximal view of the assembled embodiment of FIG.62A;

FIG. 62D is a facial view of the embodiment of FIG. 62C;

FIG. 62E is an interproximal section view of the embodiment of FIG. 62C;

FIG. 63 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a component of thesystem;

FIG. 63A is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of thecomponent of FIG. 63;

FIG. 64 is an interproximal view of a component of the system;

FIG. 65 is a facial view of the embodiment of FIG. 64;

FIG. 66 is a facial view of an alternative embodiment of a systemcomponent;

FIG. 67 is a facial view of an alternative embodiment of a systemcomponent;

FIG. 68 is an interproximal view of one embodiment of a component of thesystem;

FIG. 69 is a facial view of the embodiment of FIG. 68;

FIG. 70 is an interproximal section view of the embodiment of FIG. 68;

FIG. 71 is a lingual section view of the embodiment of FIG. 68;

FIG. 72 is a coronal view of the embodiment of FIG. 68;

FIG. 73 is an apical view of the embodiment of FIG. 68;

FIG. 74 is a partially exploded, interproximal assembly view of theembodiments of FIG. 68 and FIG. 45;

FIG. 75 is an assembly view of the embodiment of FIG. 74;

FIG. 76 is a partial section, facial assembly view of the embodiment ofFIG. 75;

FIG. 77 is an interproximal view of one embodiment of a component of thesystem;

FIG. 78 is a facial view of the embodiment of FIG. 77;

FIG. 79 is an interproximal section view of the embodiment of FIG. 77;

FIG. 80 is a lingual section view of the embodiment of FIG. 77;

FIG. 81 is a coronal view of the embodiment of FIG. 77;

FIG. 82 is an apical view of the embodiment of FIG. 77;

FIG. 83 is a partially exploded, interproximal assembly view of theembodiments of FIGS. 77 and 54;

FIG. 84 is an assembly view of the embodiment of FIG. 83; and

FIG. 85 is a partial section, facial assembly view of the embodiment ofFIG. 83.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claimsto refer to particular system features or components. This document doesnot intend to distinguish between features or components that differ inname but not function.

In the following discussion and in the claims, the terms “including” and“comprising” are used in an open-ended fashion, and thus should beinterpreted to mean “including, but not limited to . . . ”. Also, theterm “coronal” is intended to refer to the portion of a dental implantor component that is distal from the patient's jaw bone or in thedirection of the tooth or prosthetic crown furthest from the tooth rootafter the component has been installed in a patient's mouth. The term“apical” is intended to refer to the portion of a dental implant orcomponent that is proximal to the patient's jaw bone or in the directionof the apex of the tooth root after the device has been installed in apatient's mouth. The terms “facial” or “buccal” (for posterior teeth)are intended to refer to the portion of a dental implant or componentthat faces outward or away from the patient's tongue, while the term“lingual” is intended to refer to the portion of a dental implant orcomponent that faces inward or toward a patient's tongue. The term“interproximal” is intended to refer to the portion of a dental implantor component that faces an adjacent tooth. The term “emergence profileportion” is intended to refer to the portion of a dental implant orcomponent that extends through a patient's gum tissue. The term“multi-lead thread” is intended to refer to a thread with two or morestarting threads at the starting end of a threaded surface (e.g. theapical end of a dental implant).

Referring initially to FIGS. 1-4, an abutment 100 is shown with anemergence profile portion 140 disposed between a polygonal base portion115 and a tapered post or coronal portion 135. Abutment 100 furthercomprises an internal longitudinal bore 180 and a margin shoulder 150disposed between emergence profile portion 140 and tapered coronalportion 135.

Polygonal base portion 115 is configured to mate with and may befrictionally retained by a similarly-shaped recess formed in an implant(not shown). The implant's recess includes a polygonal inner surfaceincluding a plurality of generally flat surfaces.

Emergence profile portion 140 comprises a concave surface 132 and aconvex surface 133 which extend around the circumference of emergenceprofile portion 140. Coronal portion 135 further comprises a pair ofretention recesses 110 and a longitudinal groove 120. As shown,retention recesses 110 are placed on the outer surface of the coronalend of abutment 100 and transverse to a longitudinal axis 119 of theabutment. Although depicted in interproximal aspects of abutment 100,retention recesses 110 may also be disposed on either or both thelingual or buccal aspects. In the embodiment of FIGS. 1-4, longitudinalgroove 120 is disposed on the lingual aspect of tapered coronal portion135; in other embodiments, longitudinal groove 120 may be placed on afacial or interproximal aspect of tapered coronal portion 135.

Concave surface 132 is formed adjacent to a small chamfer 134 and thentransitions into a convex surface 133 that is contiguous with concavesurface 132. Moving from chamfer 134 toward convex surface 133, concavesurface 132 gradually increases in cross-sectional area, thereforeproviding more room for soft tissue vascularization to promote bonegrowth near the base of abutment 100 where abutment 100 interfaces witha dental implant. Promoting soft tissue and bone growth in the regionadjacent to the outer surface of the emergence profile portion 140 isimportant because receding tissue can leave a noticeable gap between acrown and adjacent teeth. Increased recession can expose abutment 100and even the implant, leaving it aesthetically unattractive andpotentially vulnerable to disease or infection and even implant failure.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 1-4, concave surface 132 and/or convexsurface 133 comprise a variable radius of curvature. By this it is meantthat the radius is not constant, but is different at discrete locationsalong the outer surface of portions 132 and 133. In the embodimentshown, concave surface 132 is 3.5 millimeters in diameter in the areanearest chamfer 134 and convex surface 133 is 4.7 millimeters indiameter in the area adjacent to margin shoulder 150. As described morefully below, other embodiments comprise an emergence profile portionwith different diameters and lengths from that shown and described withreference to FIGS. 1-4.

As shown in FIG. 2, margin shoulder 150 comprises an arcuate transitionzone 160, which extends between the outermost edge of emergency profileportion 140 and tapered coronal portion 140 and tapered coronal portion135. In this embodiment, transition zone 160 has a variable radius ofcurvature, meaning that, in the profile view shown in FIG. 2, the radiusdiffers at discrete locations along transition zone 160. Margin shoulder150 comprises an interproximal aspect 151 that continuously slopes suchthat the lingual side 153 of margin shoulder 150 extends to a higherpoint than the facial side 152 of margin shoulder 150 relative to baseportion 115. The continuous slope of interproximal aspect 151 includesno positive-to-negative or negative-to-positive changes in slope. Alsoshown in FIG. 2, the lingual aspect 141 of emergence profile portion 140has a greater longitudinal length than the facial aspect 142 ofemergence profile portion 140. The sloping interproximal aspect 151 maybe straight or curved.

Margin shoulder 150 may also comprise a cone portion that is a segmentof a true cone. The inclusion of such a cone portion allows for easierdimensional verification for quality assurance purposes duringmanufacturing because the geometry of such a cone portion is based on aknown mathematical formula. Therefore, if one point on a cone portioncan be established as dimensionally accurate, other points on the coneportion can be verified relatively easily based on the formula thatdefines the cone portion. Such a cone portion may be located, forexample, at location 163 of the margin shoulder. Furthermore, superiorgeometric control and therefore better tolerance can be maintained usingsimple shapes such as cones and cylinders versus the more complicatedanatomic contours. Enhanced tolerance control allows for an improved fitbetween the margin section of the abutment or implant and matingtransfer coping or other restorative components.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 1-4, longitudinal groove 120 is disposedbetween margin shoulder 150 and a terminal portion 137 of taperedcoronal portion 135. Terminal portion 137 is smaller in cross-sectionthan corresponding regions of coronal portions found on typical priorart abutments (of similar diameter) and comprises a lingual arcuatesurface 138 and a facial arcuate surface 139 opposite surface 138. Inthis manner, arcuate surfaces 138 and 139 may be described as opposingarcuate surfaces.

The reduced size and contoured shape of terminal portion 137 relative totypical abutment posts minimizes the amount of preparation work that arestorative dentist must perform before installing a prosthetic tooth(not shown) on tapered coronal portion 135. One skilled in the art willreadily recognize that preparation work on the coronal portion of adental abutment is typically necessary prior to placement of aprosthetic tooth. Lingual arcuate surface 138 and facial arcuate surface139 replicate a coronal end that has already been modified by arestorative dentist. In addition, the area of tapered coronal portion135 near shoulder 150 flares outwardly to provide a base or ledge for aprosthetic tooth to seat against after installation onto abutment 100.

As shown in the section view of FIG. 3, bore 180 comprises a threadedsegment or region 190. Abutment 100 is mounted to an implant (not shown)by inserting polygonal base portion 115 into a corresponding recess inthe top of the implant and then inserting a retaining screw (not shown,but see FIGS. 62A, 62B and 62E, for example) into the top of bore 180.The retaining screw first engages threaded region 190 and then engages athreaded bore in the implant, thereby securing abutment 100 to theimplant.

Abutment 100 can be manufactured from a variety of biocompatiblematerials, such as titanium 6ALV4 or ceramic. In addition, portions ofabutment 100 (such as emergence profile portion 140) can be anodized orcoated with a nitride material such as titanium nitride or anothercolorizing agent to provide a desired color or other surface property.Titanium nitride coating creates a golden color on the surface of theimplant and provides what is generally considered a more aestheticallypleasing appearance than untreated titanium. Portions of abutment 100can also be treated, coated or roughened to promote soft tissue adhesionor growth in the areas on or adjacent to the treated surfaces.

While one embodiment is shown in FIGS. 1-4, other embodiments comprisemany of the features shown in FIGS. 1-4, but with dimensions that varyfrom those of the embodiment of FIGS. 1-4. For example, FIG. 5represents an interproximal view (similar to that shown in FIG. 2) of analternative embodiment. In the embodiment of FIG. 5, emergence profileportion 140 has a longitudinal length less than that shown in FIG. 2. Asa result, lingual aspect 141 and facial aspect 142 do not extend as farfrom polygonal base 115 in the embodiment of FIG. 5 as compared to theembodiment of FIG. 2. For example, dimension A (sometimes referred to asthe “cuff height” and measured parallel to axis 119) is approximately 1millimeter in the embodiment shown in FIG. 5 and is approximately 2millimeters in the embodiment shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 6 also represents an alternative embodiment to that depicted inFIGS. 1-4. In the embodiment of FIG. 6, emergence profile portion 140has a longitudinal length greater than that shown in FIG. 2. As aresult, lingual aspect 141 and facial aspect 142 extend farther frompolygonal base 115 in the embodiment of FIG. 6 as compared to theembodiment of FIG. 2. For example, dimension A is approximately 3millimeters in the embodiment shown in FIG. 6 while the cuff height ofthe embodiment shown in FIG. 2 is about 2 millimeters.

FIGS. 7-9 depict another embodiment of an abutment that comprises thesame general configuration as the embodiments described above. As shownin FIGS. 7-9, an abutment 400 comprises a bore 480, a polygonal baseportion 415, an emergence profile portion 440, and a tapered post orcoronal portion 435. Similar to the previously-described embodiments,this embodiment comprises a pair of retention recesses 410, a lingualgroove 420 and an emergence profile portion 440 that comprises a concavesurface 432 and a convex surface 433.

As shown in FIG. 8, abutment 400 further comprises a margin shoulder 450with an arcuate transition zone 460, which has a radius of curvaturethat varies along its length. Margin shoulder 450 comprises aninterproximal aspect 451 that slopes such that the lingual side 443 ofmargin shoulder 450 is higher than the facial side 452 of marginshoulder 450, and such that there are no positive-to-negative ornegative-to-positive changes in slope from lingual side 443 to facialside 452. Also shown in FIG. 8, the lingual aspect 441 of emergenceprofile portion 440 has a greater longitudinal length than the facialaspect 442 of emergence profile portion 440. As previously noted, thesloping interproximal aspect 441 may be straight or curved in profileview.

In this embodiment, tapered post or coronal portion 435 also comprises aterminal portion 437 with a lingual arcuate surface 438 opposing afacial arcuate surface 439. As previously described, terminal portion437 represents a reduced coronal portion compared to that found ontypical, unmodified prior art implants of similar diameter.

As best shown in FIG. 9, abutment 400 includes a pair of flat portions455 in the upper interproximal region of emergence profile 440. Flatportions 455 allow for more space between adjacent teeth for soft tissueand bone growth in the interproximal region. In the embodiment of FIGS.7-9, emergence profile portion 440 has a diameter of 4.5 millimeters inthe area adjacent to a chamfer 434 and a diameter of 5.5 millimeters inthe area below margin shoulder 450 and adjacent to tapered coronalportion 435.

Referring now to FIG. 10, an alternative embodiment is shown in theinterproximal view (similar to that shown in FIG. 8). In the embodimentof FIG. 10, emergence profile portion 440 has a longitudinal length lessthan that of the embodiment shown in FIG. 8. As a result, lingual aspect441 and facial aspect 442 do not extend as far from polygonal base 415in the embodiment of FIG. 10 as compared to the embodiment of FIG. 8.For example, dimension A is approximately 1 millimeter in the embodimentshown in FIG. 10 while the cuff height is approximately 2 millimeters inthe embodiment shown in FIG. 8.

FIG. 11 also represents an alternative embodiment to that depicted inFIGS. 7-9. In the embodiment of FIG. 11, emergence profile portion 440has a longitudinal length greater than that shown in FIG. 8. As aresult, lingual aspect 441 and facial aspect 442 extend farther frompolygonal base 415 in the embodiment of FIG. 11 as compared to theembodiment shown in FIG. 8. For example, dimension A is approximately 3millimeters in the embodiment shown in FIG. 11 while the cuff height isapproximately 2 millimeters in the embodiment shown in FIG. 8.

FIGS. 12-14 depict another abutment embodiment that comprises the samegeneral configuration as the embodiments described above. However, inthe embodiment of FIGS. 12-14, abutment 500 comprises an emergenceprofile portion 540 with a diameter of 5.7 millimeters in the areaadjacent to a chamfer 534 and a diameter of 6.5 millimeters in the areabelow margin shoulder 550 and adjacent to tapered post or coronalportion 535. The embodiment shown in FIGS. 12-14 comprises a polygonalbase portion 515, an emergence profile portion 540, and a taperedcoronal portion 535. This embodiment also comprises a pair of flatportions 555 in the upper interproximal region of emergence profile 540.

Referring now to FIG. 15, an alternative embodiment is shown in theinterproximal view (similar to that shown in FIG. 13). In the embodimentof FIG. 15, emergence profile portion 540 has a longitudinal length lessthan that shown in FIG. 13. As a result, a lingual aspect 541 and afacial aspect 542 do not extend as far from polygonal base 515 in theembodiment of FIG. 15 as compared to the embodiment of FIG. 13. Forexample, dimension A is approximately 1 millimeter in the embodimentshown in FIG. 15 while the cuff height is approximately 2 millimeters inthe embodiment shown in FIG. 13.

FIG. 16 also represents an alternative embodiment to that depicted inFIGS. 12-14. In the embodiment of FIG. 16, emergence profile portion 540has a longitudinal length greater than that shown in FIG. 13. As aresult, lingual aspect 541 and facial aspect 542 extend farther frompolygonal base 515 in the embodiment of FIG. 15 as compared to theembodiment shown in FIG. 13. For example, dimension A is approximately 3millimeters in the embodiment shown in FIG. 16 while the cuff height isapproximately 2 millimeters in the embodiment shown in FIG. 13.

Alternative abutments 701-703 are depicted in FIGS. 17-19, respectively.Each abutment 701-703 comprises a tapered coronal portion 735 and marginshoulder 750 that have the same general configuration as the previouslydescribed embodiments. However, the embodiments shown in FIGS. 17-19comprise an emergence profile portion 740 that is generally cylindricaland does not comprise a concave and convex surface shown in the previousembodiments. While the embodiments of FIGS. 17-19 comprise an emergenceprofile portion 740 that is 4.5 millimeters in diameter at all locationsalong the cylindrical surface of section 740, other embodiments maycomprise emergence profile portions having other diameters. As shown,the embodiments of FIGS. 17-19 comprise emergence profile portions 740that are different longitudinal lengths, so that dimension A isapproximately 1 millimeter for abutment 701 in FIG. 18, 2 millimetersfor abutment 702 in FIG. 17, and 3 millimeters for abutment 703 in FIG.19. Other embodiments may comprise different length emergence profileportions.

Another alternative embodiment is shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, whereinabutment 300 comprises a polygonal base portion 315, a chamfer 334, anemergence profile portion 340 and a tapered coronal portion 335.Abutment 300 comprises a pair of retention recesses 310 and alongitudinal groove 320 as previously described. In this embodiment, thebase of emergence profile portion 340 comprises a lower convex surface341 that is disposed between a concave surface 330 and chamfer 334.Emergence profile portion 340 further comprises an upper convex surface343 between concave surface 330 and a margin shoulder 350. As shown inFIGS. 20 and 21, lower convex surface 341 comprises a radius ofcurvature that is less than the radius of curvature of upper convexsurface 343. Compared, for example, to abutment 100 shown and describedwith reference to FIGS. 1-4, concave surface 330 allows even more roomfor soft tissue and bone growth around abutment 300. Concave surface 330may be incorporated on abutments of varying configurations (includingdifferent diameters, lengths, or post angles). Thus, the cross-sectionaldiameter of the abutment 300 is less in the concave region 330 than thewidest extent of the portion of the abutment 300 located apically withrespect to the concave region 330 (i.e. below concave region 330 asshown in FIG. 20). This creates a recess in the transgingival surface ofthe abutment 300.

Another alternative embodiment is shown in FIGS. 22-26 as abutment 600,comprising a polygonal base portion 615, an emergence profile portion640, and a tapered post or coronal portion 635. Similar to thepreviously-described embodiments, this embodiment comprises a pair ofretention recesses 610, a lingual groove 620, and an emergence profileportion 640 that comprises a concave surface 632 and a convex surface633. In addition, a margin shoulder 650 is disposed between emergenceprofile portion 640 and tapered coronal portion 635. Comparable to theembodiment shown in FIGS. 1-4, the embodiment of FIGS. 22-26 comprise anemergence profile portion that increases from about 3.5 millimeters toabout 4.5 millimeters in diameter and has a cuff height (shown asdimension A in FIG. 25) of approximately 2 millimeters.

In this embodiment, tapered coronal portion 635 also comprises aterminal portion 637 with a lingual arcuate surface 638 opposing afacial arcuate surface 639. Terminal portion 637 is a reduced uppercoronal portion, as shown in FIGS. 22-26.

As shown in FIG. 23, unlike previously described embodiments, taperedcoronal portion 635 comprises a center axis 629 that is not parallelwith a longitudinal axis 619 that passes through the center of baseportion 615 and emergence profile portion 640. In this embodiment,center axis 629 is set an angle of 17 degrees from longitudinal axis619. In other embodiments, center axis 629 is set an angle other than 17degrees. Abutment 600 thus may be described as an angled abutment withpost 635 being angled relative to base portion 615 and axis 619.

As shown in the section view of FIG. 25, abutment 600 comprises a bore680 that is parallel with and preferably coaxially aligned withlongitudinal axis 619. Bore 680 further comprises a threaded segment orportion 690 and a shoulder 685 that engages the head of a retainingscrew (not shown) used to secure abutment 600 to an implant.

An alternative embodiment is shown in FIG. 27 as abutment 800, whichcomprises the same general configuration as abutment 600 shown in FIGS.22-26. However, dimension A for abutment 800 is about 1 millimeterinstead of a cuff height of 2 millimeters in the embodiment of FIGS.22-26.

Another alternative embodiment is shown in FIGS. 28-31 as abutment 900,comprising a bore 980, a polygonal base portion 915, an emergenceprofile portion 940, and a tapered coronal portion 935. The embodimentof FIGS. 28-31 also comprises a pair of retention recesses 910 and alingual groove 920 and an emergence profile portion 940 that comprises aconcave surface 932 and a convex surface 933. As shown in FIG. 29,abutment 900 further comprises margin shoulder 950 with an arcuatetransition zone 960, which comprises a radius of curvature that is notuniform, but instead varies along its profile. Margin shoulder 950comprises an interproximal aspect 951 that slopes such that a lingualside 943 of margin shoulder 950 is higher than a facial side 952 ofmargin shoulder 950. Also shown in FIG. 29, a lingual aspect 941 ofemergence profile portion 940 has a greater longitudinal length than afacial aspect 942 of emergence profile portion 940. Similar to thepreviously-described embodiment of FIGS. 22-26, tapered coronal portion935 comprises a center axis 929 that is disposed at an angle of 17degrees from a longitudinal axis 919 of base portion 915 and emergenceprofile portion 940.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 28-31, emergence profile portion 940 has adiameter of 4.5 millimeters in the area adjacent to a chamfer 934 and adiameter of 5.5 millimeters in the area adjacent to tapered coronalportion 935.

Abutment 900 also comprises a pair of flat portions 955 in the upperinterproximal region of emergence profile 940, as best shown in FIGS. 30and 31. Flat portions 955 allow for more space between teeth for softtissue and bone growth in the interproximal region.

Referring now to FIG. 32, an alternative embodiment is shown in theinterproximal view (similar to that shown in FIG. 29). The emergenceprofile portion 940 of abutment 900 of FIG. 32 has a longitudinal lengthless than that of the abutment shown in FIG. 29. As a result, lingualaspect 941 and facial aspect 942 do not extend as far from polygonalbase 915 in the embodiment of FIG. 32 as compared to the embodiment ofFIG. 29. For example, dimension A is approximately 1 millimeter in theembodiment shown in FIG. 32 while the cuff height is approximately 2millimeters in the embodiment shown in FIG. 29.

FIGS. 33-36 depict still another abutment embodiment that comprises thesame general configuration as the embodiment of FIG. 28-31. In theembodiment shown in FIGS. 33-36, an abutment 1000 comprises bore 1080, apolygonal base portion 1015, an emergence profile portion 1040, and atapered coronal portion 1035. Similar to the embodiment of FIGS. 28-31,tapered coronal portion or post 1035 comprises a center axis 1029 thatis set an angle of 17 degrees from a longitudinal axis 1019 of baseportion 1015 and emergence profile portion 1040. This embodiment alsocomprises a pair of flat portions 1055 in the upper interproximal regionof emergence profile 1040. However, in the embodiment of FIGS. 33-36,abutment 1000 comprises an emergence profile portion 1040 with adiameter of 5.7 millimeters in the area adjacent to a chamfer 1034 and adiameter of 6.5 millimeters in the area adjacent to tapered coronalportion 1035.

Referring now to FIG. 37, an alternative embodiment is shown in theinterproximal view (similar to that shown in FIG. 34). In the embodimentof FIG. 37, emergence profile portion 1040 of abutment 1000 has alongitudinal length less than that shown in FIG. 34. As a result,lingual aspect 1041 and facial aspect 1042 do not extend as far frompolygonal base 1015 in the embodiment of FIG. 37 as compared to theembodiment of FIG. 34. For example, dimension A is approximately 1millimeter in the embodiment shown in FIG. 37 while the cuff height isapproximately 2 millimeters in the embodiment shown in FIG. 34.

Yet other alternative embodiments of an abutment 1100 are also depictedin FIGS. 38 and 39. Abutment 1100 comprises a tapered coronal portion1135 and margin shoulder 1150 having the same general configurations asthe previously described embodiments. However, the embodiments shown inFIGS. 38 and 39 comprise an emergence profile portion 1140 that includesgenerally cylindrical outer surfaces extending between margin 1150 andchamfer 1134 and does not comprise a concave and convex surface shown inprevious embodiments. While the embodiments of FIGS. 38-39 comprise anemergence profile portion 1140 that is 4.5 millimeters in diameter,other embodiments may comprise different diameter emergence profileportions. As shown, the embodiments of FIGS. 38 and 39 compriseemergence profile portions 1140 that are different lengths, so thatdimension A is approximately 1 millimeter in FIG. 38 and 2 millimetersin FIG. 39. Other embodiments may comprise different length emergenceprofile portions.

As demonstrated above, embodiments of the present invention compriseabutments with a number of different configurations. Dimensions such asthe emergence profile diameter and length, and angle (if any) betweenthe tapered coronal portion and the emergence profile portion can bevaried to match the needs of an individual patient. Factors such as theamount of space available and the orientation of the implant willinfluence the doctor's decision on which abutment to select whenperforming a tooth restoration on a patient.

To assist in determining whether a straight or an angled abutment shouldbe selected, a doctor may employ a fitting abutment for a trial fitting.As shown in FIG. 40, a fitting abutment 1200 comprises a polygonal baseportion 1215 with a longitudinal axis 1218 and an emergence profileportion 1240 with a concave surface 1232 and a convex surface 1233.However, instead of a tapered coronal portion similar to those shown inprevious embodiments, fitting abutment 1200 comprises a coronal portion1235 that comprises a straight peak 1236 with a longitudinal axis 1238and an angled peak 1237 with a longitudinal axis 1239. Longitudinal axis1238 is generally parallel and coaxial with longitudinal axis 1218,while longitudinal axis 1239 is angled from, and not parallel to,longitudinal axis 1218. Straight peak 1236 replicates the location of apost of a permanent straight abutment, while angled peak 1237 replicatesthe location of the post of a permanent angled abutment. This allows adoctor to place fitting abutment 1200 at the site in the patient's mouthwhere the restoration will be placed and determine if a straight orangled abutment will provide the best fit. Fitting abutment 1200 may bemanufactured in various diameters and lengths to assist the doctor indetermining the proper size as well. Fitting abutment 1200 may be madeof a material, such as plastic, that is less expensive than titanium orother material typically used for permanent abutments.

Other embodiments of the present invention comprise a unibody, orone-piece, implant structure that includes a bone-engaging foundationportion and an abutment portion integral therewith for mounting theprosthesis, as distinguished from the assembly having an abutment memberor component that may be secured to a separate bone engaging implantmember. One such embodiment is shown in FIGS. 41-44, which comprises aunibody implant 1300 with an emergence profile portion 1340 disposedbetween body portion 1395 and tapered coronal portion or post 1335.Unibody implant 1300 further comprises a margin shoulder 1350 betweenemergence profile portion 1340 and tapered coronal portion 1335.

Tapered coronal end 1335 comprises a pair of flats 1347, a longitudinalgroove 1320 and a terminal portion 1337 with a pair of retentionrecesses 1310 transverse to a longitudinal axis 1319. In thisembodiment, flats 1347 and retention recess 1310 are shown in aninterproximal position and longitudinal groove 1320 is shown in alingual position, but alternative embodiments may comprise flats orgrooves in alternate locations. Flats 1347 may be used to rotate implant1300, by engagement with a rotating tool, to assist in threadablyengaging implant 1300 with a patient's bone during installation ofimplant 1300. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 41-44, tapered coronalportion 1335 is free from having a longitudinal bore, as this embodimentis intended to be used to mount cement-retained prostheses or inconfigurations where the cross-sectional area of the tapered coronalportion is not sufficient to include an internal bore.

Terminal portion 1337, comprising a lingual arcuate surface 1338opposing a facial arcuate surface 1339, embodies a reduced coronal endcompared to those of typical, unmodified prior art abutments havingsimilar diameters.

The reduced size of terminal portion 1337 minimizes the amount ofpreparation work that a restorative dentist must perform beforeinstalling a prosthetic tooth (not shown) on tapered coronal portion1335 as has been previously described. Minimizing necessary preparationto a one-piece implant is particularly important because preparationsare performed in the mouth.

Debris and heat generated during preparation can negatively affecttissue health and even cause implant failure. Lingual arcuate surface1338 and facial arcuate surface 1339 also replicate the appearance of anend that has already been modified by a restorative dentist or surgeon.In addition, the area of tapered coronal portion 1335 near marginshoulder 1350 flares outwardly to provide a base or ledge for aprosthetic tooth to seat against after installation onto implant 1300.

As shown in FIG. 42, margin shoulder 1350 is disposed between taperedcoronal portion 1335 and emergence profile portion 1340. Margin shoulder1350 comprises an arcuate transition zone 1360, which may have a radiusof curvature that varies along the length of the zone's profile. Marginshoulder 1350 further comprises an interproximal aspect 1351 thatcontinuously slopes such that a lingual side 1343 of margin shoulder1350 is higher than a facial side 1352 of margin shoulder 1350. Alsoshown in FIG. 42, a lingual aspect 1341 of emergence profile portion1340 has a greater longitudinal length than a facial aspect 1342 ofemergence profile portion 1340. The margin shoulder 1350, as well as theother margin shoulders described throughout, may be curved or straightas is shown in the various embodiments illustrated herein.

In addition, adjacent to body portion 1395, emergence profile portion1340 comprises a facial concave surface 1332 and a lingual concavesurface 1333. As previously described, concave surfaces 1332 and 1333provide more room for soft tissue vascularization to promote bonegrowth, improving aesthetics and reducing the likelihood of infection.As shown in FIG. 42, concave surfaces 1332 and 1333 extend within anouter envelope diameter D1 of upper threaded body portion 1395. Outerenvelope diameter D1 is the maximum envelope diameter of body portion1395. Concave surfaces 1332 and 1333 may comprise various configurationsother than that shown in FIGS. 41-44. For example, concave surfaces 1332and 1333 may comprise either multiple or a single radius of curvatureand may extend different depths into emergence profile portion 1340. Inaddition, the center of curvature for concave surface 1332 may belocated either within outer envelope diameter D1 or outside of outerenvelope diameter D1. In the embodiment of FIGS. 41-44, lingual concavesurface 1333 has a greater radius of curvature than facial concavesurface 1332, and facial concave surface 1332 extends farther intoemergence profile portion 1340 than does lingual concave surface 1333.Concave surface 1332 therefore creates a recess in the emergence region.

As shown in the embodiment of FIGS. 41-44, body portion 1395 comprises athreaded portion 1396 and a non-threaded collar portion 1397. Collarportion 1397 comprises a tapered section 1398 having a generallyfrustoconical surface and a cylindrical section 1399. In certainembodiments, threaded portion 1396 is tapered and comprisesmultiple-lead threads such as double-lead or triple-lead threads, andnon-threaded collar portion 1397 comprises a roughened surface.

The use of multiple lead threads allows implant 1300 to be fullyinserted into a patient's jaw bone with fewer rotations than if a singlelead thread were utilized. This reduces the amount of time it takes toinsert implant 1300, and thereby decreases patient discomfort and lowersrisks by reducing operation time. In yet another aspect of anembodiment, a series of markers such as colored dots or etched portionsof threads (not shown) are placed on threaded portion 1396 to indicatehow far implant 1300 has been inserted into a patient's jaw bone. Thisfeature allows a person inserting implant 1300 to know how far implant1300 has been inserted into the patient's jaw bone and reduces the riskof inserting implant 1300 improperly.

Implant 1300 can be manufactured from a variety of biocompatiblematerials, such as titanium 6ALV4, ceramic, polymer or polymercomposite, or combinations thereof. For example, the abutment portioncan be ceramic or polymer composite and the implant portion can betitanium. In addition, portions of implant 1300 (such as emergenceprofile portion 1340) can be anodized or coated with a material such astitanium nitride or another colorizing agent to provide a desired coloror other surface property. Portions of implant 1300 can also be treatedwith a coating that comprises a roughening agent to increase the surfaceroughness.

In another aspect of embodiments of the present system, portions ofimplant 1300 can be textured through various methods such asmicrotexturing or chemical etching. Increasing the surface roughness ofimplant 1300 also increases the surface area and thereby promotesosseointegration and soft tissue growth around implant 1300. In oneembodiment, a first process such as microtexturing is used to increasethe surface roughness on the apical portions of implant 1300, while asecond process such as chemical etching is used increase the surfaceroughness of the coronal portions of the implant. In this embodiment,the surface finish of the apical portions of the implant is rougher thanthe surface finish of the coronal portions. In other embodiments, asecond mechanical blasting process (with a medium that is lessaggressive than that used in microtexturing) is used to increase thesurface roughness of the coronal portions instead of chemical etching.

In one embodiment; a portion of implant 1300 is microtextured byblasting the implant with hydroxyapatite particles and another portionis etched with diluted hydrochloric acid (HCl). In this embodiment, 5mole weight HCl is diluted with water by a 20:1 ratio and then used tochemically etch portions of implant 1300.

Another embodiment of a unibody implant is shown in FIGS. 45-49 asimplant 1400. Similar to the embodiment of FIGS. 41-44, this embodimentcomprises an emergence profile portion 1440 disposed between bodyportion 1495 and a tapered coronal portion 1435. Unibody implant 1400further comprises a margin shoulder 1450 between emergence profileportion 1440 and tapered coronal portion 1435.

Unibody implant 1400 comprises the same general configuration as implant1300, but tapered coronal portion 1435 also incorporates an internalbore 1480 with a tool-engaging feature 1481 that may be used to rotateimplant 1400 and assist in threadably engaging implant 1400 into apatient's jaw bone. The larger size of the coronal portion providesadequate material for the bore and tool engaging feature. Including thebore allows a common drive tool to be used: the geometry of externalflats may vary with the external geometry of the tapered portion, butinternal geometry may be held constant regardless of the geometry of thetapered portion. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 48 and 49,tool-engaging feature 1481 is a segment of internal bore 1480 formed tohave a polygonal cross section or other non circular cross section, suchas any shape having one or more flats. While the embodiment of FIGS.45-49 does not comprise flats on the outer surface of post 1435 similarto flats 1347 of the previously described embodiment, other embodimentsmay comprise such flats as well as a tool-engaging feature internal to abore.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 45-49, tapered coronal portion 1435 comprisesa longitudinal groove 1420 and a terminal portion 1437 with a pair ofretention recesses 1410 transverse to a longitudinal axis 1419. In thisembodiment, retention recesses 1410 are shown in interproximal positionsand longitudinal groove 1420 is shown in a lingual position, butalternative embodiments may comprise recesses and grooves in alternatelocations.

Terminal portion 1437 is generally equivalent to the terminal portionsdescribed in certain previous embodiments, such as terminal portion 137of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-4. Terminal portion 1437 comprises anon-frustoconical surface having a lingual arcuate surface 1438 and afacial arcuate surface 1439. As previously described, the configurationof terminal portion 1437 minimizes the amount of preparation work thatneeds to be performed before a prosthetic tooth is installed. Inaddition, the area of tapered coronal portion 1435 near margin shoulder1450 flares outwardly to provide a base or ledge for a prosthetic toothto seat against after installation onto implant 1400.

As shown in FIG. 46, margin shoulder 1450 is disposed between taperedcoronal portion 1435 and emergence profile portion 1440. Margin shoulder1450 comprises an arcuate transition zone 1460, which may comprise aradius of curvature that varies along its profile. Margin shoulder 1450further comprises an interproximal aspect 1451 that continuously slopessuch that a lingual side 1443 of margin shoulder 1450 is higher than afacial side 1452 of margin shoulder 1450. Interproximal aspect 1451 ofmargin shoulder 1450 continuously slopes such that there are nopositive-to-negative or negative-to-positive changes in slope fromlingual side 1443 to facial side 1452. Also shown in FIG. 46, a lingualaspect 1441 of emergence profile portion 1440 has a greater longitudinallength than a facial aspect 1442 of emergence profile portion 1440.

In addition, adjacent to body portion 1495, emergence profile portion1440 comprises a facial concave surface 1432 and a lingual concavesurface 1433. As previously described, concave surfaces 1432 and 1433provide more room for soft tissue and bone growth, improving aestheticsand reducing the likelihood of infection. As shown in FIG. 46, concavesurfaces 1432 and 1433 extend within an outer envelope diameter D2 ofupper threaded body portion 1495. Concave surfaces 1432 and 1433 maycomprise various configurations other than that shown in FIGS. 45-49.For example, concave surfaces 1432 and 1433 may comprise either multipleor a single radius of curvature and may extend different depths intoemergence profile portion 1440. In addition, the center of curvature forconcave surface 1432 may be located either within outer envelopediameter D2 or outside of outer envelope diameter D2. In the embodimentof FIGS. 45-49, lingual concave surface 1433 has a greater radius ofcurvature than facial concave surface 1432, and facial concave surface1432 extends farther into emergence profile portion 1440 than doeslingual concave surface 1433.

As shown in the embodiment of FIGS. 45-49, body portion 1495 comprises athreaded portion 1496 and a non-threaded collar portion 1497 which, inturn, comprises a tapered section 1498 having a frustoconical surfaceand a cylindrical section 1499. In certain embodiments, threaded portion1496 is tapered and comprises double-lead or triple-lead threads, andnon-threaded collar portion 1497 comprises a roughened surface.

Another embodiment of a unibody implant is shown in FIGS. 50-53 asimplant 1500. Similar to the embodiment of FIGS. 41-44, unibody implant1500 includes an emergence profile portion 1540 disposed between bodyportion 1595 and a tapered coronal portion 1535. Unibody implant 1500further comprises a margin shoulder 1550 between emergence profileportion 1540 and tapered coronal portion 1535.

In the embodiment shown, tapered coronal portion 1535 includes a pair offlats 1547, a longitudinal groove 1520 and a terminal portion 1537 witha pair of retention recesses 1510 transverse to a longitudinal axis1519. In this embodiment, flats 1547 and retention recesses 1510 areshown in interproximal positions and longitudinal groove 1520 is shownin a lingual position, but alternative embodiments may comprise flats,recesses or grooves in alternate locations. Flats 1547 may be used torotate implant 1500 to assist in threadably engaging implant 1500 with apatient's bone during installation of implant 1500.

Terminal portion 1537 is generally equivalent to the terminal portionsdescribed in certain previous embodiments, such as terminal portion 137of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-4. Terminal portion 1537 comprises anon-frustoconical outer surface having a lingual arcuate surface 1538, afacial arcuate surface 1539 and retention recess 1510. As previouslydescribed, the configuration of terminal portion 1537 minimizes theamount of preparation work that needs to be performed before aprosthetic tooth is installed. In addition, the area of tapered coronalportion 1535 near margin shoulder 1550 flares outwardly, to provide abase or ledge for a prosthetic tooth to seat against after installationonto implant 1500.

As shown in FIG. 51, margin shoulder 1550 is disposed between taperedcoronal portion 1535 and emergence profile portion 1540. Margin shoulder1550 comprises an arcuate transition zone 1560, which may include aradius of curvature that varies along its profile. Margin shoulder 1550further comprises an interproximal aspect 1551 that continuously slopessuch that a lingual side 1543 of margin shoulder 1550 is higher than afacial side 1552 of margin shoulder 1550, the continuous slope having nopositive-to-negative or negative-to-positive changes. Also shown in FIG.51, a lingual aspect 1541 of emergence profile portion 1540 has agreater longitudinal length than a facial aspect 1542 of emergenceprofile portion 1540.

In addition, adjacent to body portion 1595, emergence profile portion1540 comprises a facial concave surface 1532 and a lingual concavesurface 1533. As shown in FIG. 51, concave surfaces 1532 and 1533 extendwithin an outer envelope diameter D3 of upper threaded body portion1595. Concave surfaces 1532 and 1533 may comprise various configurationsother than that shown in FIGS. 50-53. For example, concave surfaces 1532and 1533 may comprise either multiple or a single radius of curvatureand may extend different depths into emergence profile portion 1540. Inaddition, the center of curvature for concave surface 1532 may belocated either within outer envelope diameter D3 or outside of outerenvelope diameter D3. In the embodiment of FIGS. 50-53, lingual concavesurface 1533 has a greater radius of curvature than facial concavesurface 1532, and facial concave surface 1532 extends farther intoemergence profile portion 1540 than does lingual concave surface 1533.

As shown in the embodiment of FIGS. 50-53, body portion 1595 comprises athreaded portion 1596 and a non-threaded collar portion 1597. Collarportion 1597 comprises a tapered section 1598 and a cylindrical section1599. In certain embodiments, threaded portion 1596 is tapered andcomprises double-lead or triple-lead threads, and non-threaded collarportion 1597 comprises a roughened surface.

As shown in FIG. 51, unlike the embodiment of FIGS. 41-44, taperedcoronal portion 1535 comprises a center axis 1529 that is set at anangle from a longitudinal axis 1519 that passes through the center ofbody portion 1595. In this embodiment, center axis 1529 is set at anangle of 17 degrees from longitudinal axis 1519. In other embodiments,center axis 1529 is set an angle other than 17 degrees. Unibody implant1500 may fairly be described and referred to herein as an “angled onepiece implant” or as an “angled unibody implant” given that post portion1535 is angled relative to body portion 1595 and axis 1519, and thatpost portion 1535 is integral with body portion 1595.

Referring now to FIGS. 54-58, another embodiment of an angled unibodyimplant is shown as implant 1600. Similar to the embodiment of FIGS.45-49, this embodiment comprises an emergence profile portion 1640disposed between body portion 1695 and a tapered coronal portion 1635.Unibody implant 1600 further comprises a margin shoulder 1650 betweenemergence profile portion 1640 and tapered coronal portion 1635.

Unibody implant 1600 comprises the same general configuration as implant1500, but tapered coronal portion 1635 also incorporates an internalbore 1680 with a tool-engaging feature 1681 (see FIGS. 57 and 58) thatmay be used to rotate implant 1600 and assist in threadably engagingimplant 1600 into a patient's jaw bone. In the embodiment shown,tool-engaging feature 1681 is a polygonal end of internal bore 1680.While the embodiment of FIGS. 54-58 is shown not to include outer flatssimilar to flats 1547 of the previously described embodiment, otherembodiments may comprise both outer flats and an internal tool-engagingfeature.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 54-58, tapered coronal portion 1635 comprisesa longitudinal groove 1620 and a terminal portion 1637 with a pair ofretention recesses 1610 transverse to a longitudinal axis 1619. In thisembodiment, retention recesses 1610 are shown in an interproximalposition and longitudinal groove 1620 is shown in a lingual position,but alternative embodiments may comprise recesses and grooves inalternate locations.

Terminal portion 1637 is generally equivalent to the terminal portionsdescribed in certain previous embodiments, such as terminal portion 137of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-4. Terminal portion 1637 comprises anon-frustoconical shape having a lingual arcuate surface 1638 and afacial arcuate surface 1639. As previously described, the configurationof terminal portion 1637 minimizes the amount of preparation work thatneeds to be performed before a prosthetic tooth is installed. Inaddition, the area of tapered coronal portion 1635 near margin shoulder1650 flares outwardly to provide a base or ledge for a prosthetic toothto seat against after installation onto implant 1600.

As shown in FIG. 55, margin shoulder 1650 is disposed between taperedcoronal portion 1635 and emergence profile portion 1640. Margin shoulder1650 comprises an arcuate transition zone 1660, which may comprise aradius of curvature which varies along its profile. Margin shoulder 1650further comprises an interproximal aspect 1651 that continuously slopessuch that a lingual side 1643 of margin shoulder 1650 is higher than afacial side 1652 of margin shoulder 1650. Also shown in FIG. 54, alingual aspect 1641 of emergence profile portion 1640 has a greaterlongitudinal length than a facial aspect 1642 of emergence profileportion 1640.

In addition, adjacent to body portion 1695, emergence profile portion1640 comprises a facial concave surface 1632 and a lingual concavesurface 1633. As previously described, concave surfaces 1632 and 1633provide more room for soft tissue and bone growth, improving aestheticsand reducing the likelihood of infection. As shown in FIG. 54, concavesurfaces 1632 and 1633 extend within an outer envelope diameter D4 ofupper threaded body portion 1695. Concave surfaces 1632 and 1633 maycomprise various configurations other than that shown in FIGS. 54-58.For example, concave surfaces 1632 and 1633 may comprise either multipleor a single radius of curvature and may extend different depths intoemergence profile portion 1640. In addition, the center of curvature forconcave surface 1632 may be located either within outer envelopediameter D4 or outside of outer envelope diameter D4. In the embodimentof FIGS. 54-58, lingual concave surface 1633 has a greater radius ofcurvature than facial concave surface 1632 and extends farther intoemergence profile portion 1640 than does lingual concave surface 1633.

As shown in the embodiment of FIGS. 54-58, body portion 1695 comprises athreaded portion 1696 and a non-threaded collar portion 1697. Collarportion 1697 comprises a tapered section 1698 and a cylindrical section1699. In certain embodiments, threaded portion 1696 is tapered andcomprises double-lead or triple-lead threads, and non-threaded collarportion 1697 comprises a roughened surface.

As shown in FIG. 55, unlike the embodiment of FIGS. 45-49, taperedcoronal portion 1635 comprises a center axis 1629 that is set at anangle from a longitudinal axis 1619 that passes through the center ofbody portion 1695. In this embodiment, center axis 1629 is set at anangle of 17 degrees from longitudinal axis 1619. In other embodiments,center axis 1629 is set an angle other than 17 degrees. As shown in FIG.58, bore 1680 is parallel with longitudinal axis 1619.

Another embodiment shown in FIGS. 59-60 comprises threads with differentheights. This embodiment comprises a unibody implant 1700 with athreaded portion 1795 having an apical end 1796, an unthreadedcylindrical portion 1730, an emergence profile portion 1740, a margin1722 and a tapered coronal or post portion 1735. In this embodiment,tapered coronal portion 1735 may comprise one of the variousconfigurations described in other embodiments. The embodiment of FIGS.59-60 comprises a shoulder 1731 (between cylindrical portion 1730 andemergence profile portion 1740) that serves as a reference line for thelocation of the thread portions with different heights.

In the embodiment shown, threaded portion 1795 comprises a firstthreaded section 1797 and a second threaded section 1798. First threadedsection 1797 comprises threads with a thread height of slightly greaterthan 0.2 mm, while second threaded section 1798 comprises threads with athread height that is much greater than 0.2 mm. In the embodiment shown,the axial distance from shoulder 1731 to the beginning of first threadedsection 1797 (the end of first threaded section 1797 that is farthestfrom apical end 1796) is at least four percent of the distance fromshoulder 1731 to apical end 1796. In other words, cylindrical portion1730 (which does not have threads) is at least four percent of the axiallength between shoulder 1731 and 1796. In other embodiments, cylindricalportion 1730 may comprise a greater percentage of the axial lengthbetween shoulder 1731 and apical end 1796.

The first and second threaded sections 1797 and 1798 may be single ormultiple lead threads. Further, the first and second threaded sectionsmay have a different number of thread leads. However, the first andsecond sections must be matched so that both threaded sections displacethe implant vertically at the same rate as the implant is rotated.

Another component of the dental system is shown in FIGS. 61 and 62.Implant 1800 is a fitting implant that can be used to assist arestorative dentist or surgeon in determining several things, includingwhether a unibody or two-stage (subgingival implant and separateabutment) implant should be used, or whether a straight or an angledabutment should be selected for permanent restoration.

It is important to determine if the direction suggested by the initialosteotomy will allow for the alignment of the integral restorativeportion of the one-piece implant to satisfy the clinical parametersneeded for a successful final restoration. These parameters include, butare not limited to, labial margin placement, inter-occlusal clearance,angulation (whether alone or in conjunction with other implants beingplaced), and room for final restorative material such as ceramics.Further, it is important to determine if an angulated one-piece implant(if such an implant is necessary) will be able to clear the adjacentteeth as it rotates in place upon final seating. The final decision forthe use of a one-piece implant is generally not related to any of thecomponents, including the implant, but rather to the surgeon's clinicalimpression of bone quality and potential for achieving adequate primarystability. The uniqueness of this protocol, utilizing the fittingimplant at such an early and non-committed stage of the surgicalprocess, allows for an increased level of surgical flexibility. Thesurgeon can either make changes to the direction of the osteotomy inorder to better align the integral restorative portion on the one-pieceor decide to go with a two-piece protocol, which allows for greaterchoices in restorative options without any significant addition to thesurgical armamentarium.

Implant 1800 comprises a tapered coronal portion 1835 and emergenceprofile portion 1840 that are equivalent, or substantially similar, toany of the configurations in the previously-described embodiments.Implant 1800 comprises a tapered non-threaded body portion 1895 so thatimplant 1800 can be easily inserted and removed from the bore formed atthe implant site in the patient's jaw to determine the size, shape andtype of the desired permanent implant. Although implant 1800 shown inFIGS. 61 and 62 comprises a tapered coronal portion 1835 that is notangled with respect to non-threaded body portion 1895, other embodimentsmay comprise a coronal portion that is angled relative to non-threadedbody portion 1895. Implant 1800 may be comprised of a material, such asplastic, that is less expensive than titanium or other materialtypically used for permanent implants.

Another embodiment of a fitting implant is shown in FIG. 63 as implant1900. This embodiment comprises the same general configuration as theembodiment of FIGS. 61 and 62, except implant 1900 has a body portion1995 that is generally cylindrical rather than tapered. In theembodiment of FIG. 63, tapered coronal portion 1935 is not angled withrespect to body portion 1995. The embodiment shown in FIG. 63A isgenerally equivalent to the embodiment of FIG. 63, with the exceptionthat implant 1920 has a tapered coronal portion 1955 that is angled fromnon-threaded cylindrical portion 1975.

Another embodiment of an implant is shown in FIGS. 64 and 65 as implant2000. Implant 2000 is an analog implant that is used to assist in makinga model of the patient's mouth. Implant 2000 comprises a tapered coronalportion 2035, emergence profile, portion 2040 and a body portion 2095.Tapered coronal portion 2035 and emergence profile portion 2040 areequivalent, or substantially similar, to any of the configurations inthe previously-described embodiments. Body portion 2095 furthercomprises markings 2096 that identify the size and configuration of theimplant, and retention recess 2075 that allow implant 2000 to beretained in the modeling material used to model the patient's mouth. Asknown by one skilled in the art, tapered coronal portion 2035 isinserted into an impression cap (not shown) after an impression is madeof a patient's mouth. A stone model of the patient's mouth is then madefrom the impression mold and analog implant 2000 is retained in themodel by retention recess 2075.

Another embodiment of an implant is shown in FIG. 66 as implant 2100.Implant 2100 comprises a body portion 2195, an emergence profile portion2140, and a tapered coronal portion 2135 with a pair of flats 2147.Unlike previously described embodiments, the embodiment of FIG. 66comprises a pair of retention protrusions 2110 rather than retentionrecesses. Retention protrusions 2110 are configured to engagecorrespondingly sized and shaped grooves in an impression coping (notshown) or other attachment to implant 2100.

Another embodiment of an implant is shown in FIG. 67 as implant 2200.Implant 2200 comprises a body portion 2295, an emergence profile portion2240, and a tapered coronal portion 2235 with a bore 2280 and a toolengaging feature (not shown) similar to that shown in FIGS. 57 and 58 ofa previous embodiment. Unlike previously described embodiments, theembodiment of FIG. 67 comprises a pair of retention protrusions 2210rather than retention recesses. Retention protrusions 2210 areconfigured to engage correspondingly sized and shaped grooves in animpression coping (not shown) or other attachment to implant 2200.

As shown in FIGS. 62A through 62E, one embodiment of a two-stage implantsystem 1875 is shown to comprise an implant 1850, an abutment 1860 and aconnection member 1870. Referring initially to FIGS. 62A and 62B, anexploded facial view of system 1875 is shown as well as a section viewtaken along line 62B in FIG. 62A. In this embodiment, emergence profilesection 1841 is integral to implant 1850 rather than the abutment 1870.Implant 1850 includes a threaded portion 1896 and an emergence profilesection 1841 with a concave portion 1832, which is similar to concaveportion 330 shown in FIGS. 20 and 21. Implant 1850 also comprises anon-threaded cylindrical portion 1843 between threaded portion 1896 andemergence profile portion 1841. Implant 1850 also includes a taperedportion 1842 at the coronal end of the implant. As shown in the sectionview of FIG. 62B, implant 1850 comprises a threaded internal bore 1843and a polygonal recess 1844 at its coronal end.

Abutment 1860 includes a central bore 1862 and is configured to engageimplant 1850 via a polygonal base portion 1861. Abutment 1860 alsocomprises a flared body portion 1863 and an upper post portion 1864.Connection member 1870 is configured to connect abutment 1860 to implant1850. Connection member 1870 includes a threaded portion 1872, anon-threaded shank 1873 and a head 1874 with an internal socket 1876.

Abutment 1860, may be connected to implant 1850 as shown in FIGS. 62Cthrough 62E. FIG. 62 C depicts an interproximal view of implant system1875, while FIG. 62D depicts a facial view of implant system 1875. Asection taken along line 62E in FIG. 62D is shown in FIG. 62E. As shownin FIG. 62E, polygonal base portion 1861 of abutment 1860 engagespolygonal recess 1844 at its coronal end. Connection member 1870 canthen be inserted through bore 1862 of abutment 1860 so that threadedportion 1872 engages threaded internal bore 1843. A driving tool (notshown) can then be used to engage internal socket 1876 and rotateconnection member 1870 so that threaded portion 1872 is adequatelyengaged with threaded internal bore 1843 to securely connect abutment1860 to implant 1850.

Referring now to FIGS. 68-73, an impression cap or coping 2300 is shownthat may be used in conjunction with the previously described implantsor abutments that are generally straight (i.e., have a tapered coronalportion that is parallel with the axis of the threaded portion orseparate implant). The use of impression copings generally is well knownin the art and involves seating the coping on an abutment or the coronalportion of an implant before taking an impression of the implant site inthe patient's mouth. FIGS. 68 and 69 show impression coping 2300 in theinterproximal and facial views, respectively, while FIGS. 70 and 71 aresection views of FIGS. 68 and 69. FIGS. 72 and 73 represent the top (orcoronal) view and bottom (or apical) view, respectively.

As shown in the embodiment of FIGS. 68-73, impression coping 2300comprises a body portion 2310 with a longitudinal axis 2311 extendingfrom an apical end 2330 to a coronal end 2340. Impression coping 2300further comprises a facial aspect 2335, a lingual aspect 2345, and aninternal bore or chamber 2320 extending from apical end 2330. Chamber2320 has side walls 2383 which are non-frustoconical and an end wall2395. Apical end 2330 comprises an arcuate edge 2321 (shown in FIG. 70)configured to engage or seat on an arcuate transition zone of a marginshoulder of an implant or abutment (not shown).

As discussed more fully below, coronal end 2340 comprises a number ofribs or flange portions that provide resistance to an impressionmaterial (not shown) used to make an impression of a patient's mouth. Afirst flange portion 2350 extends across coronal end 2340 and isgenerally parallel to a first plane that is perpendicular tolongitudinal axis 2311. A second flange portion 2360 is generallyparallel to a second plane that extends along facial aspect 2335 of bodyportion 2310, while a third flange portion 2370 extends between firstflange portion 2350 and second flange portion 2360. Third flange portion2370 is generally parallel to a third plane that is perpendicular toboth the first plane and the second plane. A fourth flange portion 2365extends along the lingual side of impression coping 2300 from firstflange 2350 to body portion 2310.

In the embodiment shown, flange portions 2350, 2360, 2365 and 2370therefore will provide resistance to movement between the impressioncoping and the impression material in three different lateral androtational directions when an impression is made of the patient's mouth.For example, first flange portion 2350 will resist movement in adirection parallel to longitudinal axis 2311 and second and fourthflange portions 2360 and 2365 will resist movement in the facial/linguallateral directions, i.e., to the left or right in the view of FIG. 68.In addition, third flange portion 2370 will resist movement in theinterproximal lateral direction, i.e, to the left or right in the viewof FIG. 71. The flange portions will also provide resistance torotational movement of impression coping 2300 relative to impressionmaterial. Using longitudinal axis 2311 as a reference, third flange 2370will provide resistance to a rolling and a pitching movement ofimpression coping 2300. In addition, first flange portion 2350, secondflange portion 2360 and fourth flange portion 2365 will provideresistance to a yawing movement of impression coping 2300. Reducing themovement between impression coping 2300 and the impression material willimprove the accuracy of the mold created of the patient's mouth.

As shown in the section view of FIG. 71, impression coping 2300comprises a pair of berm-like protrusions 2380 extending from internalchamber 2320. As explained more fully below, protrusions 2380 act as aretention mechanism and are configured to engage the retention recessesof the previously described implants and abutments. Also visible inFIGS. 68, 69 and 71 are a pair of indentations 2385 on the exterior ofbody portion 2310. Indentations 2385 reduce the cross-sectionalthickness of body portion 2310 in the area proximal to protrusions 2380and increase the ability of body portion 2310 to flex as protrusions2380 engage retention recesses on an abutment or implant. Also shown inthe embodiment of FIGS. 71 and 73, internal chamber 2320 comprises apair of ribs or shoulders 2390 disposed at an axial position betweenprotrusions 2380 and coronal end 2340. Shoulders 2390 are configured toact as a stop against the coronal end of an implant or abutment in theevent a dental professional attempts to force coping 2300 too far ontoan implant or abutment during installation. A recess or void 2391 suchas a slot or bore is formed between shoulders 2390, further increasingthe flexibility of body portion 2310.

The embodiment shown in FIGS. 68-73 also comprises an aperture 2315extending through third flange portion 2370. A dental professional maypass a loop of dental floss (not shown) through aperture 2315 to preventthe impression coping from being dropped or lost during handling orplacement of coping 2300 on a dental implant or abutment. Althoughaperture 2315 is shown in third flange portion 2370 in this embodiment,other embodiments may comprise an aperture in other portions of theimpression coping. The aperture 2315 may be angular as shown, round, orother shapes.

The embodiment shown in FIGS. 68-73 is suited for use with an anatomicalabutment or implant. For example, as shown in FIG. 68, facial aspect2335 extends farther from coronal end 2340 than does lingual aspect2345. In this manner, apical end 2330 slopes downward from lingualaspect 2345 to facial aspect 2335 to match the contour of the slopingmargin shoulder in the previously described implants and abutments(e.g., interproximal aspect 151 of margin shoulder 150 shown in FIGS. 1and 2). In addition, impression coping 2300 comprises internal bore orchamber 2320 having inner walls that are non-frustoconical andconfigured to generally correspond to the shape of an abutment orimplant that has an anatomical shape. In certain embodiments, internalchamber 2320 is divided into two sections, a substantially cylindricalupper section 2381 and a non-frustoconical lower section 2382, as seenin FIG. 70. Protrusions 2380 are preferably located on the substantiallycylindrical upper section 2381.

In certain embodiments, the impression coping may also be color-coded toindicate dimensional characteristics of the coping, such as the diameterof the internal chamber and whether the coping is configured for usewith a straight or an angled dental implant or abutment. Still otherembodiments may comprise a marking or indicator such as an etched,notched or recessed surface to indicate the dimensional characteristicsof the coping.

FIGS. 74-76 illustrate the engagement of impression coping 2300 withimplant 1400. Although not shown, impression coping 2300 may also beengaged with abutment 100 or other compatible dental components, such asfitting implant 1900 or analog implant 2000. FIG. 74 illustratesimpression coping 2300 and implant 1400 in a partially-engagedconfiguration, while FIGS. 75 and 76 illustrate impression coping 2300and implant 1400 in a fully-engaged position, where protrusions 2380meet and engage retention recesses 1410.

As shown in FIG. 75, apical end 2330 is seated flush with marginshoulder 1450 upon full engagement of impression coping 2300 and implant1400. FIG. 76 is a partial section view in which impression coping 2300is shown in a section view and implant 1400 is shown from a facialperspective in a non-section view. As shown in FIG. 76, protrusions 2380engage retention recess 1410 and retain impression coping 2300 onimplant 1400. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 76, indentations 2385reduce the cross-sectional thickness of implant 2300 in the areaproximal to protrusions 2380 and thereby allow body portion 2310 to moreeasily flex and engage implant 1400.

Also visible in FIG. 76, shoulders 2390 are proximal to, but notcontacting, a coronal end 1411 of tapered coronal portion 1435. Aspreviously mentioned, shoulders 2390 are configured to preventimpression coping 2300 from being forced too far onto implant 1400.Also, void 2391 between shoulders 2390 provides further ability for bodyportion 2310 to flex upon the seating and unseating of coping 2300. Alsovisible in FIG. 76, interior chamber 2320 of impression coping 2300 isconfigured to match the general anatomic shape of tapered coronalportion 1435. Arcuate edge 2321 is also shown seated on arcuatetransition zone 1460 of margin shoulder 1450.

Referring now to FIGS. 77-82, an impression cap or coping 2400 is shownthat can be used in conjunction with the previously described implantsor abutments that are generally angled (i.e., the tapered coronalportion is angled from the threaded portion or separate implant).Although configured to fit angled abutments and implants, thisembodiment is similar to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 68-73. FIGS. 77and 78 show impression coping 2400 in the interproximal and facialviews, respectively, while FIGS. 79 and 80 are section views of FIGS. 77and 78. FIGS. 81 and 82 represent the top (or coronal) view and bottom(or apical) view, respectively.

As shown in the embodiment of FIGS. 77-82, impression coping 2400comprises a body portion 2410 with a longitudinal axis 2411 extendingfrom an apical end 2430 to a coronal end 2440. Impression coping 2400further comprises a facial aspect 2435, a lingual aspect 2445 and aninternal bore or chamber 2420 extending from apical end 2430. Chamber2420 comprises a side wall 2483 with a substantially cylindrical uppersection 2481 and a non-frustoconical lower section 2482 and an end wall2495, as seen in FIG. 79. Apical end 2430 comprises an arcuate edge 2421(shown in FIG. 79) configured to engage or seat on an arcuate transitionzone of a margin shoulder of an implant or abutment (not shown). Similarto the embodiment of FIGS. 68-73, coronal end 2440 comprises a firstflange 2450, a second flange 2460, a third flange 2470 and a fourthflange 2465.

As shown in the section view of FIG. 80, impression coping 2400comprises a pair of protrusions 2480 extending inwardly fromsubstantially cylindrical upper section 2481 of chamber 2420. In theembodiment shown, protrusions 2480 act as a retention mechanism and areconfigured to engage the retention recesses of the previously describedimplants and abutments. Also visible in FIGS. 77, 78 and 80 are a pairof indentations 2485 on the exterior of body portion 2410 that aresimilar to indentations 2385 of the previous embodiment. As shown inFIGS. 80 and 82, internal bore 2420 comprises a pair of ribs orshoulders 2490 that are equivalent to shoulders 2390 and a recess orvoid 2491 that is equivalent to void 2391 of the embodiment of FIGS.68-73. The embodiment shown in FIGS. 77-82 also comprises an aperture2415 that is similar to aperture 2315 of the previous embodiment. Alsovisible in the section view of FIG. 80 is an indicator 2425 on internalbore 2420 used to express that impression coping 2400 is intended to beused for an angled implant or abutment. In this embodiment, indicator2425 is a recessed trapezoidal-shaped portion with angled sides.

The embodiment shown in FIGS. 77-82 is also suited for use with ananatomical abutment or implant. For example, as shown in FIG. 77, facialaspect 2435 extends farther from coronal end 2440 than does lingualaspect 2445. In this manner, apical end 2430 slopes downward fromlingual aspect 2445 to facial aspect 2435 to match the contour of thesloping margin shoulder in the previously described implants andabutments (e.g., margin shoulder 650 shown in FIGS. 22 and 23). However,in the embodiment of FIGS. 77-82 the difference between facial aspect2435 and lingual aspect 2445 is greater than the difference betweenfacial aspect 2335 and lingual aspect 2345 shown in FIG. 68 of theprevious embodiment. In order to accommodate an angled coronal portionof an implant or abutment, apical end 2430 of impression cap 2400therefore slopes downward at a greater angle than apical end 2330. Theother features of the embodiment of FIGS. 77-82 are generally equivalentto those found on the embodiment of FIGS. 68-73.

Similar to FIGS. 74-76, FIGS. 83-85 illustrate the engagement ofimpression coping 2400 with angled one piece implant 1600. Although notshown, impression coping 2400 may also be engaged with abutment 600 orother compatible abutments. FIG. 83 illustrates impression coping 2400and implant 1600 in a partially-engaged configuration, while FIGS. 84and 85 illustrate impression coping 2400 and implant 1600 in afully-engaged position.

As shown in FIG. 84, apical end 2430 is seated flush with marginshoulder 1650 upon full engagement of impression coping 2400 and implant1600. FIG. 85 is a partial section view in which implant 1600 is shownfrom a facial perspective in a non-section view and impression coping2400 is shown in a section view, so that tapered coronal portion 1635 isvisible after engagement with impression coping 2400. In the embodimentshown in FIG. 85, indentations 2485 reduce the cross-sectional thicknessof implant 2400 in the area proximal to protrusions 2480 and therebyallow body portion 2410 to more easily flex and engage implant 1600.

As shown in FIG. 85, protrusions 2480 engage retention recesses 1610 andretain impression coping 2400 on implant 1600. Also visible in FIG. 85,shoulders 2490 are proximal to, but not contacting, a coronal end 1611of tapered coronal portion 1635. As previously mentioned, shoulders 2490are configured to prevent impression coping 2400 from being forced toofar onto implant 1600. A void 2491 between shoulders 2490 providesfurther ability for body portion 2410 to flex upon the seating andunseating of coping 2400. Also visible in FIG. 85, interior chamber 2420of impression coping 2400 is configured to match the general anatomicshape of tapered coronal portion 1635. Arcuate edge 2421 is also shownseated on arcuate transition zone 1660 of margin shoulder 1650.

While various preferred embodiments have been shown and described,modifications thereof can be made by one skilled in the art withoutdeparting from the spirit and teachings herein. The embodiments hereinare exemplary only, and are not limiting. Many variations andmodifications of the systems and components disclosed herein arepossible and within the scope of this teaching. For example, the shapeand orientation of the retention recesses and lingual groove may bedifferent from that depicted. In addition, features from differentembodiments described above can be combined to form other embodiments ofthe system. For example, other embodiments may comprise the taperedcoronal portion of the embodiment of FIGS. 41-44 and the threadedsections of different heights found in the embodiment of FIGS. 59 and60. In addition, the angled tapered coronal portion in each of theembodiments shown may be straight in other embodiments, and vice versa.Furthermore, the interproximal flats shown in the embodiment of FIGS.7-9 may be included on any of the embodiments shown and the retentionprotrusions of FIGS. 66 and 67 may be used in addition to, or in placeof, the retention recess on the other embodiments.

What is claimed is:
 1. A dental abutment having a longitudinal axis, theabutment comprising: a base portion for engagement with a dentalimplant; an emergence profile portion adjacent to the base portion, theemergence profile portion generally defining a longitudinal directionand including: at least one concave surface, a lingual aspect, and afacial aspect, wherein an outer diameter of the emergence profileportion at the concave surface is less than a maximum outer diameter ofthe emergence profile portion located apically with respect to theconcave surface; a tapered coronal portion located coronally withrespect to the emergence profile, the tapered coronal portion having afirst end and a terminal end portion comprising a second end; and amargin shoulder located between the emergence profile portion and thefirst end of the tapered coronal portion, the margin shoulder having alingual side and a facial side, the margin shoulder extendinginterproximally from the lingual side to the facial side such that themargin shoulder continuously slopes apically from the first end of thetapered coronal portion toward the base portion, the margin shoulderdefining an arcuate transition zone extending between the emergenceprofile portion and the first end of the tapered coronal portion, thearcuate transition zone including an increasing radius from the firstend of the tapered coronal portion in an apical direction to theradially outermost edge of the margin shoulder.
 2. The dental abutmentof claim 1, wherein the interproximal aspect does not include at leastone of a positive-to-negative change in slope and a negative-to-positivechange in slope.
 3. The dental abutment of claim 1, wherein the facialside of the margin shoulder is located closer to the base portion thanis the lingual side of the margin shoulder.
 4. The dental abutment ofclaim 1, wherein the emergence profile includes at least one convexsurface, the at least one convex surface located coronally with respectto the at least one concave surface.
 5. The dental abutment of claim 4,wherein an upper portion of the at least one concave surface iscontiguous with a lower portion of the at least one convex surface. 6.The dental abutment of claim 1, wherein the second end of the taperedcoronal portion includes at least one retention recess configured forlongitudinally securing an impression coping to the coronal end portion.7. The dental abutment of claim 4, wherein the retention recess is agroove and is disposed on an interproximal aspect of the tapered coronalportion in a transverse direction relative to the longitudinal axis. 8.The dental abutment of claim 1, wherein the second end of the taperedcoronal portion includes a first arcuate surface on a lingual side ofthe tapered coronal portion and a second arcuate surface on a facialside of the tapered coronal portion.
 9. The dental abutment of claim 1,wherein the base portion comprises a polygonal outer surface.
 10. Adental abutment having a longitudinal axis, the dental abutmentconfigured to be used with a dental implant, the dental abutmentcomprising: a base portion for engagement with the dental implant; anemergence profile portion adjacent to the base portion, the emergenceprofile portion generally defining a longitudinal direction andincluding: at least one concave surface, a lingual aspect, and a facialaspect, wherein an outer diameter of the emergence profile portion atthe concave surface is less than a maximum outer diameter of the dentalimplant; a tapered coronal portion located coronally with respect to theemergence profile, the tapered coronal portion having an first end and aterminal end portion comprising a second end; and a margin shoulderlocated between the emergence profile portion and the first end of thetapered coronal portion, the margin shoulder having a lingual side and afacial side, the margin shoulder extending interproximally from thelingual side to the facial side such that the margin shouldercontinuously slopes apically from the first end of the tapered coronalportion toward the base portion, wherein the facial side of the marginshoulder is located closer to the base portion than is the lingual sideof the margin shoulder, the margin shoulder defining an arcuatetransition zone extending between the emergence profile portion and thefirst end of the tapered coronal portion, the arcuate transition zoneformed by an increasing radius from the first end of the tapered coronalportion in an apical direction to the radially outermost edge of themargin shoulder.
 11. The dental abutment of claim 10, wherein the outerdiameter of the emergence profile portion at the concave surface is lessthan a maximum outer diameter of the emergence profile portion locatedapically with respect to the concave surface.
 12. The dental abutment ofclaim 10, wherein the interproximal aspect does not include at least oneof a positive-to-negative change in slope and a negative-to-positivechange in slope.
 13. The dental abutment of claim 10, wherein alongitudinal length of the facial aspect of the emergence profile isless than a longitudinal length of the lingual aspect of the emergenceprofile.
 14. The dental abutment of claim 10, wherein the emergenceprofile includes at least one convex surface, the at least one convexsurface located coronally with respect to the at least one concavesurface.
 15. The dental abutment of claim 14, wherein an upper portionof the at least one concave surface is contiguous with a lower portionof the at least one convex surface.
 16. The dental abutment of claim 14,wherein the at least one concave surface includes a concave longitudinallength and a concave radius of curvature and the at least one convexsurface includes a convex longitudinal length and a convex radius ofcurvature.
 17. The dental abutment of claim 16, wherein at least one of:the concave radius of curvature varies along the concave longitudinallength; and the convex radius of curvature varies along the convexlongitudinal length.
 18. A dental implant system, comprising: a dentalabutment, including: a base portion; an emergence profile portionadjacent to the base portion, the emergence profile portion generallydefining a longitudinal direction and including: at least one concavesurface, a lingual aspect, and a facial aspect, wherein an outerdiameter of the emergence profile portion at the concave surface is lessthan a maximum outer diameter of the emergence profile portion locatedapically with respect to the concave surface; a tapered coronal portionlocated coronally with respect to the emergence profile, the taperedcoronal portion having an first end and a terminal end portioncomprising a second end; and a margin shoulder located between theemergence profile portion and the first end of the tapered coronalportion, the margin shoulder having a lingual side and a facial side,the margin shoulder extending interproximally from the lingual side tothe facial side such that the margin shoulder continuously slopesapically from the first end of the tapered coronal portion toward thebase portion, the margin shoulder defining an arcuate transition zoneextending between the emergence profile portion and the first end of thetapered coronal portion, the arcuate transition zone formed by anincreasing radius from the first end of the tapered coronal portion inan apical direction to the radially outermost edge of the marginshoulder; and a dental implant for engagement with the dental abutment,the dental implant including: a recess configured to receive the baseportion of the dental abutment; and a maximum envelope diameter, whereinthe outer diameter of the emergence profile portion at the concavesurface is less than the maximum envelope diameter of the dentalimplant.
 19. The dental abutment of claim 18, wherein the interproximalaspect does not include at least one of a positive-to-negative change inslope and a negative-to-positive change in slope.
 20. The dentalabutment of claim 18, wherein the facial side of the margin shoulder islocated closer to the base portion than is the lingual side of themargin shoulder.